Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin outlined key strategic priorities focusing on food security, tourism development, and forest conservation during the fourth day of the First Meeting for the 22na Session of the Legislative Council yesterday.

The minister explained that BND88.76 million was allocated to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening national food production, expanding tourism, and preserving Brunei’s forest resources.

One major focus of the ministry’s strategy is to increase food production and ensure national food security The minister noted that the ministry plans to shift from a primary-production focus toward a holistic ecosystem approach, strengthening downstream industries such as food processing and value-added agricultural products.

“Strategic priorities include strengthening the entire agrifood value chain to create a more resilient and competitive sector, while promoting collaboration among entrepreneurs, government agencies, and other stakeholders through
a Whole-of-Nation’ and ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach,” he said.

“Infrastructure development will also be prioritised to support agricultural and fisheries development areas. These locations will be equipped with reliable electricity. water supply, and drainage systems to facilitate business growth and improve production capacity.”

The minister is also encouraging the adoption of modern technologies in agriculture and aquaculture, including aquaponics, vertical farming, solar energy systems, drip irrigation, drone technology for crop monitoring, and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for aquaculture operations.

“To ensure food safety and international market access, departments under the ministry are strengthening regulatory capacity and certification standards such as Brunei Good Agricultural Practice (BGAP), Brunei Good Husbandry Practice (BGHP), Brunel Good Aquaculture Practice (BGAqP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

Furthermore, cold-chain logistics and export infrastructure are also being improved to facilitate international trade.
The minister then reported that Brunei’s food sector exports reached approximately BND13 million in 2025, marking a 52.4-per-cent increase compared with 2024.

“Key export commodities included animal feed and chicken eggs, which accounted for 55 per cent and 43 per cent of total exports, respectively. Around 22 million chicken eggs worth BND3.3 million were exported to Singapore, while agricultural and agrifood products recorded exports of 4.7 metric tonnes valued at BND7.68 million, while fisheries exports reached 3.4 metric tonnes valued at BND5.68 million.

Top fisheries export commodities were tuna, shrimp, and selungsong fish, contributing 70 per cent, 11 percent, and 10 per cent respectively, with the nation also succeeding in the export of marine tilapia to the United States (US), opening a new international market.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf also reemphasised how tourism development remains a major priority, noting that, “the ministry is optimising its Tourism Industry Roadmap to ensure sustainable growth and improve Brunei’s competitiveness as a destination. 

Promotional efforts will be intensified through international advertising, participation in travel expos, digital marketing, and collaboration with social media influencers.”

Brunel has expanded its tourism promotion efforts to global markets. including Dubai, Sydney, Japan, South Korea, Shanghai, and Taiwan, as well as targeting new markets identified for 2026, including Ger-many, Italy, France, Spain, Canada, the US, and the Middle East.

“As part of a major national tourism push, the government will launch Visit Brune Year 2027′, which coincides with the 60t anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s accession to the throne. Preparations for the pre-launch phase are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.”

The Tourism Development Department will also appoint overseas marketing representatives in key markets such as China, Korea, and Japan to strengthen promotional activities and overcome communication barriers on geo-locked digital platforms such as Douyin, Naver, and WeChat.

Brunei recorded approximately 763,000 international tourist arrivals in 2025, representing a 13-per-cent increase compared with 2024, and among the tourist arrivals, 46 per cent of them were from sea, while land and air made up 14 per cent and seven per cent of arrivals.

“Cruise tourism contributed significantly to this growth. In 2025, 15 cruise ships docked in Brunei, and the number is projected to increase to 32 ships in 2026. As of March 2026, 11 cruise ships have already visited the country, with cruise visitors welcomed with traditional cultural performances such as hadrah and gulingtangan, highlighting Brunei’s cultural heritage.”

The minister highlighted that there are currently 62 licensed travel agencies nationwide, with 31 actively engaged in inbound tourism, a 210-per-cent increase compared with just 10 agencies in 2022.
He also emphasized the importance of forest conservation and sustainable development, aligning with Brunel’s National Forestry Policy and National Climate Change Policy.

Through forest rehabilitation and greening programmes, Brunei has planted 282,000 trees since 2020, achieving 57 per cent of its national target of 500,000 trees by 2035, and the ministry is also exploring forest carbon initiatives as part of the country’s green economy strategy.

This includes assessing the potential for carbon markets and strengthening forest resource inventories to support carbon trading opportunities in line with low-carbon development goals.

Youth participation is encouraged through initiatives such as exposure programmes, pilot projects, entrepreneurship support, and advisory services, as 18 young entrepreneurs were actively involved in sectors under the ministry during 2025, with 86 in agriculture, seven in fisheries, three in forestry, and 22 in tourism.

With the hosting of the recent inaugural Primary Resources and Tourism Expo 2025, themed Innovative and Sustainable Primary Resources and Tourism’, the minister noted how the event highlighted the achievements of local entrepreneurs and promoted export-ready products.

“Held together with the 4” Local Products Expo, the event generated approximately BND200,000 in total sales within three days, demonstrating growing competitiveness in local industries.”

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)